Shakespeare's Pub celebrates 9th anniversary with live music, slew of rare beers, including Raspberry Dragon's Milk, asparagus beer and more

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Ted Vadella, co-owner of Shakespeare's Pub, knows how to get what he wants.

Vadella has been working his beer industry connections of late to bring in a long list of rare and specialty beers from around Michigan and the country as his bar and restaurant celebrates its 9th anniversary on Thursday.

The bar at 241 E. Kalamazoo Ave. will offer around 60 different beers and have four live bands, which begin playing at 7 p.m., during the day-long party that runs from 10:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Vadella, who co-owns the bar with Scott Makohn, said he went out on a limb with some of the beers.

"Normally, I shy away from stuff, but for this event, I didn't," he said.

Here are a couple of the more intriguing beers, which will range in price anywhere from $4 to $10 for an eight-ounce pour:

Vadella, 37, said downtown Kalamazoo has become a "mecca" for craft beer and his business has been doing all it can to offer a variety of beer on its 44 taps.

"I love this ride. This is what I love to do and we have a
good time with this," Vadella said.

Shakespeare's Pub will also be tweaking the name of its lower level venue, The Globe Theatre. On Thursday, it will become Shakespeare's Lower Level. All events will be listed on the Shakespeare's Pub website, www.shakespearespub.com.

"This move is being made to streamline operations within the Shakepeare's building as a whole and to take advantage of the name recognition already present with Shakespeare's Pub," Shakespeare's Pub live entertainment director Sean Micklin said in a press release.

Vadella said the Lower Level will participate in the anniversary party. And if you're looking to bring Vadella a gift, here's a suggestion: He loves cookies.